Leo Merle

Leo Merle
Personal information
Full nameLeo Merle VI
Born (1998-01-14) January 14, 1998 (age 26)[1]
Home townFolsom, California, U.S.
EducationUniversity of California, Santa Cruz
University of Michigan
Sport
SportParalympic athletics
DisabilityCerebral palsy
Disability classT38
EventMiddle-distance running
Medal record
Track and field
Representing the  United States
Parapan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2023 Santiago 1500 m T38

Leo Merle VI (born January 14, 1998) is an American Paralympic middle-distance runner. He will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Early life and education

Merle was born with cerebral palsy that affects the flexibility in his right foot and leg. He wore a corrective boot to stretch the tendons of his right leg so they would develop properly and maintain their flexibility until he was six years old.[2] He attended Vista Del Lago High School where he ran cross country and track and field.[3] He attended University of California, Santa Cruz and earned a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. He then attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and earned a doctorate of dental surgery.[4]

Career

Merle began his career in long-distance running, participating in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events. After learning that his T38 classification maxed out at 1500 metres, he transitioned to middle-distance running.[5]

He made his international debut for the United States at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in the 1500 metres T38 event, and finished in fourth place with a personal best time of 4:06.13.[6] In November 2023, he then competed at the 2023 Parapan American Games and won a gold medal in the 1500 metres T38 event with a time of 4:12.62.[7][8]

In May 2024, he represented the United States at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in the 1500 metres T38 event, and finished in fourth place with a time of 4:07.47.[9] In July 2024, during the U.S. Paralympic team trials, he qualified to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[10][11]

Personal life

Following the Paralympics, Merle intends to become a dental professional, specializing in endodontics and becoming a root canal specialist.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Leo Merle". Paris 2024 Paralympics. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Student Profile: Leo Merle nears the finish line for dental school with another goal – improving on his world-class success as a para athlete in the 1,500-meter run". University of Michigan. August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  3. ^ "Leo Merle". goslugs.com. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Zain, Haneen (July 3, 2024). "Crafting smiles and setting records on the track: An alumnus's unique dual-pursuit". NCAA.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  5. ^ Wilson, Ryan (February 1, 2024). "Balancing Running And Dentistry Helps Leo Merle Excel In Both Pursuits". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Zain, Haneen (August 20, 2024). "Leo Merle: On track". University of California, Santa Cruz. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  7. ^ "United States Wins Gold in the T38 1,500 Meters track". santiago2023.org. November 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  8. ^ Zain, Haneen (November 27, 2023). "UCSC Alumnus Leo Merle wins Gold for Team USA at the 2023 Parapan American Games". University of California, Santa Cruz. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (May 25, 2024). "Team USA Secures Five Medals as Kobe 2024 Comes to a Close". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (July 21, 2024). "Fifty-four Athletes Nominated to U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Team". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  11. ^ "Recent dental school grad Leo Merle to compete in 2024 Paralympics in Paris". University of Michigan. July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.